Mortality Quotes in The Lovely Bones

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

A little strange, Fenerman thought, but it doesn't make the man a murderer. (5.51)

We wonder what it would have taken for Len to think someone was a suspect. If that someone was a seemingly respectable suburbanite, probably a heck of a lot. This also shows us that Len isn't one of those cops who uses 'gut feelings' to solve crimes.

Quote #9

Ruth smiled into her cup. "Well, as my dad would say, it means she's out of this shithole." (6.119)

Ruth, at least in this moment, thinks of death as a relief from the crappiness of life. Yet, she comes to understand that there is work to be done here, for the dead, which will give her a) entrance into heaven without dying, and b)major brownie points with the heavenites when she does die.